Green Murder in New Shimla: 100-Year-Old Pine Felled to Save Illegal Shops

Shimla Oct 30

A century-old green pine tree in Sector-4, New Shimla, was felled today, drawing strong public outrage. Locals allege the tree was cut to safeguard nearby illegally constructed shops that stand barely one metre from the tree—violating forest clearance norms that restrict construction within five metres of any tree.

Residents and passersby condemned the “merciless act”, calling it a deliberate move to protect commercial interests. The owner of the building reportedly struggled to sell the shops, raising suspicion behind the felling.

Environmental concerns have deepened as more trees in the area are allegedly being poisoned to dry, paving the way for further axe-driven destruction.